Northern pintails pair up with their mates on wintering areas. The male then follows the female to her breeding area.

Continued . . .

The Refuge wetlands are divided into ten impounded and managed units. By managing the water levels to provide a diverse array of water depth and plant communities, the Refuge is able to provide critical habitat for nearly 280 species of migratory birds, 44 species of mammals, 14 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 3 fish species as well as hundred of species of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate species.

In spring and summer, the greatest diversity of migratory birds is found on the Refuge. Fall and winter seasons bring high numbers of water-loving birds, with waterfowl and shorebirds predominating. Black-tailed jackrabbits, coyotes, and muskrats can be seen at any season.

All impoundments are drained on a 6-year cycle to mimic the natural drying processes that most wetlands go through during drought cycles. However, because the high natural evaporation rate in this area, managers allow some impoundments to naturally dry up each summer. Prescribed burns are conducted on most units during the 6-year cycle to release nutrients bound in residual vegetation and promote vigorous and nutritious plant growth.